Dear Friends and Members of the Young Israel Beth El Of Borough Park,
We are all aware of the spread of COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus. Our Torah tells us to guard our health. It is clear that reasonable precautions should be taken when coming to Shul and participating in Davening and Purim festivities.
If one has any flu like symptoms he/she should not come to Shul to hear Parshas Zachor or to hear the Megillah.
It is recommended that the usual Shabbos greeting of shaking hands be dispensed with for the near future. We may certainly wish Good Shabbos without shaking hands.
One should not kiss the Torah or any Mezuzah directly. When wishing Mazal Tov for whatever reason, the good wishes will suffice without the usual physical contact.
We Daven that our families, Klal Yisrael, and all the world be spared from illness.
Below are some reasonable precautions that should be employed in order to prevent the spread of disease:
·
Regular hand washing (as appropriate) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. (On Shabbos use Shabbos soap).
·
Covering coughs and/or sneezes with a tissue, discarding the tissue and washing your hands. If you don’t have a tissue available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
·
Other appropriate actions include avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are frequently handled.
·
If you have come into close contact with someone that may have been affected, please use caution, and monitor yourself for any flu-like symptoms.
·
Please be in touch with your physician if you have any questions. Medical professionals are the best source of information, in these circumstances.
Wishing a Refuah Shlaima to those affected and Davening that Hashem halt the spread of all disease.
Your Devoted Rav,
Rabbi Moshe Snow
Additional Links
